Victor Grossman: Border Crosser and Citizen of the World

He deserted from the US Army during the Korean War. Throughout his life, journalist Victor Grossman was committed to peace and international understanding, against racism and anti-Semitism.

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2025 December 21 . 2:19 AM

1 min read

In this image I see a man who is wearing white shirt and a red tie and I see that he is standing in... — In this image I see a man who is wearing white shirt and a red tie and I see that he is standing in front of a podium and I see 3 boards over here on which there are words written and I see the floor and I see a stool over here on which there is a mic. In the background I see number of people who are sitting and I see a flag over here and I see few words written over here too.

Victor Grossman: Border Crosser and Citizen of the World

Victor Grossman, a lifelong journalist and activist, has died in Berlin at the age of 97. Known for his commitment to peace and equality, he passed away on December 17 after a career spanning decades in East Germany and beyond. Born in New York as Stephen Wechsler, his journey took him from American academia to political exile and a new identity in Europe.

Grossman was born in 1928 to an art dealer father and a librarian mother. He studied economics and labour history at Harvard University before joining the Communist Youth League and later the Communist Party of the USA. His political beliefs led him to desert the U.S. Army during the Korean War, prompting his eventual flight to East Germany.

Under the name Victor Grossman—a pseudonym adopted for his safety—he built a career in journalism. He wrote for prominent East German publications, including *Neues Deutschland* and *Junge Welt*, while advocating for antifascist causes. A member of the Association of Victims of Nazi Persecution (VVN-BdA), he remained active in left-wing and German-American circles even after returning to the U.S. in 1994. In his later years, Grossman contributed to leftist networks, historical conferences, and cultural forums. He spoke at events on Cold War history and German reunification, while supporting publications linked to socialist and transatlantic activism. His work reflected a consistent dedication to progressive values across continents.

Grossman’s death marks the end of a life shaped by political conviction and journalistic integrity. His writings and activism spanned from Cold War-era East Germany to modern debates on history and social justice. Colleagues and organisations he supported remember him as a persistent voice for equality and international solidarity.